Tales from the fabric stash

 

I've been thinking about that old saying, the advice that's given to mothers of sons that are getting married: "You're not losing a son, you're gaining a daughter." I've been telling myself that I'm not losing fabric. I'm just making space for more. This is some of what I've been listing on Etsy the last couple of days. Those of you have experienced the joy of listing items know that only about 4 percent of one's total brain capacity is needed for the job. The other 96 percent is devoted to cussing at the computer and/or camera and thinking about other things you'd rather be doing. Once I had that out of my system, I made up stories about where my fabric might go.

  

This might be the curtain on the door of a florist shop on a charming street. The door has a bell that jingles when a customer or the postman enters. Today, the postman (played by the late Jesse White) is handing a letter to the owner of the shop (Meg Ryan.) She's so distracted upon seeing the envelope and the return address that she forgets to tell the postman to have a nice day. She reads the letter  and immediately picks up the phone to call her best friend, the wisecracking hairdresser who rents the other side of the building. (You can pick out the actress to play the hairdresser. I just watched Sleepless in Seattle for the 99th time, and I can only think of Rosie O'Donnell, but I'm not seeing her in the hairdresser role.)

  

This is the curtain on the door of the beauty shop. It goes with the curtain on the door of the florist shop without being too matchy-matchy.

   

The hairdresser lives in a funky apartment upstairs that has a chair upholstered in barkcloth.

 

Meanwhile, in Iowa ... (I didn't get very far on this story.)

 

I'm so worried about this piece. It wanted to be a shirtdress in the worst kind of way. It wanted to be worn with white summer sandals and a clasp bracelet, but it feels as if its time has come and gone.

 

Meanwhile, in Portland ... (Oregon or Maine? You decide.)

There's also a piece of vintage red denim that wasn't very photogenic but very, very cool. I want a former contestant from Project Runway to buy it. I don't really care which one, as long as it's not one of those designers overly involved with sequins. Maybe Michael from a few seasons ago. He was good at sportswear. I liked him.

Enough of my overactive imagination. Here's what I want to make from my new Learn to Crochet book.

 

It's the beginner's project for the half-double crochet stitch. I'm a little concerned about the lacy edging, but the instructions make it seem like it couldn't be easier.

 

I think this sweater is adorable. I'm not ready to try that. Plus, what if you get the whole thing pretty much done and you realize it doesn't fit?
 
 

I like this a lot, too.

I think I'm going to do a giveaway pretty soon. Here's a hint: It's got nothing to do with this post. Here's another hint, a la Top Chef: A significant advantage will go to people who usually read my blog and leave comments. This week will be kind of like the Quick Fire challenge. (I think I'm watching too much television.) Soon this will all make sense.

Comments

[LiLi M.]

I watch project Runway too. I think it will be tonight after America's next topmodel! I don't watch Top chef, I think it will be possible to see here too. So I had to google the Quick fire challenge. This sounds sooo exciting!
'Show me your fine vintage buttons on your blog in a project within 10 hrs' Cannot wait to hear more! I scrolled through the fabrics with my eyes closed. You know why.

[Carol]

I just re-learned how to knit (thank you YouTube!), and now I would love to learn how to crochet. That little teapot is adorable!
Ok, I see Leah Remini(The King of Queens) as the wisecracking hairdresser, she's a great hairdresser, but HER hair always looks like crap! I've never seen Sleepless in Seattle. Can you believe it? Can't wait to see about this giveaway of yours!

[Patti]

You have some Awesome Fabric in your stash! Love the vintage stuff!
Osagebluffquilter

[svelteSTUFF]

'IF' you were to make that sweater, and 'IF' you got all done and it didn't fit, because, well - say the sleeves were Way too Long, then you'd just have to give a 'nod' to somebody in Auburn that would swoop in to take the lovely specimen off your hands ;)!! I see no problem.

[GeorgiaPeachez]

Aww, the quick fire. I think I would totally suck at a cooking quick fire. Hotdogs anyone? This must be the year of the fabric destash. I'm trying to cut down my inventory too, but on ebay this time. Of course, barkcloth isn't fetching what it used to but it is a good feeling to clear out some space. xo, suzy

[susan]

i watch top chef, i love anything shows about cooking or crafting! have a great day :)

[Rabecca G]

I love the crocheted bag. It would look so nice made in red. Don't be afraid of the edge, once you start it you will love the process. Love the fabric too.

[karla nathan]

In, my world there is no such thing as too much TV. Especially Top Chef.

I read your blog on Google Reader but don't always comment. I hope I still have a quick fire advantage!

[Michelle Palmer]

LOVE, Luv...LoVe those vintage fabrics!
So sweet of you to share with us!
Hope your week is special~
Michelle

[Jenny S]

I went to the beach last summer with some girlfriends and there was a sudden tropical storm. We sat in the hotel room and watched a marathon of Project Runway...really almost had an overdose of diva drama, from both the men and women!! hehehe!!

[belinda]

Now that's my kind of stash!!!!...AND my kind of
make believe too!

[Tina in Duluth]

I'm glad you'll soon be keeping your doo-dads tidy! Don't fret the lacy part, it looks like a lot of chain stitches.

I'm off to see your etsy shop...

[Patty]

Is Top Chef over? I always forget to watch it and usually catch up on it during one of the 117 times it's repeated. I don't think I've seen it since the football episode. Your fabric is all so pretty. Maybe the yellow plaid could become an apron? I'd like to see Stockard Channing as the wise cracking hairdresser. Well, maybe the Stockard of 20 yrs ago.